Sump Pumps & Battery Backups

Is this the right solution for you?  

There's nothing wrong with calling for backup - sump pumps and battery backups are the underdogs of waterproofing efforts. Geographical location, climate change, aging foundations - these are common topics when discussing the need for a sump pump or battery backup system. 

Sump pumps are designed to help manage overflow from existing or new internal drainage and help alleviate ground water pressure. Battery back ups are your fail safe for when hydro access becomes interrupted. 

Sump pumps and battery back up installations are best suited for the following problems:

• Significant and regular flooding
• Monolithic flooring
• Homes that have had internal drainage installed and are experiencing overflow
• Homes located in areas of poor grading and are confronted with significant landscaping or geographical issues
• Homes located near waterfront properties
• Rural homes who experience regular power outages
• Homes built over aquifers or underground rivers

Sump pumps and battery back ups do not work well in the following circumstances:

• When they are the only solution implemented. (Sump pumps and battery backups are effective when used in conjunction with internal drainage and other waterproofing efforts)
• Homes that do not have adequate space to house the equipment

How it works: 

Sump pump installations are relatively straight forward once all your other waterproofing installations have been completed (i.e. internal drainage installations.) The first step is breaking out the concrete floor in the area the pump will be installed. Once this has been completed a pit is hand dug to accommodate a sump pump liner. This liner is perforated so that water can be directed into the liner and pumped out of the house. The pump is then installed and tested to ensure all equipment is functioning properly. When all sump pump equipment is installed, plumbing is installed to route water to the exterior of the home. 

Having a battery backup system installed with your new sump pump or an existing one is generally a complication free process. The battery backup system is installed into the sump pump liner with your sump pump to ensure that if hydro service is interrupted, your backup pump will be supported through battery power.

Care and maintenance: 

Maintaining your sump pump and battery backup system is not an overly involved process but it does require quarterly care to ensure that all the equipment is working properly. On a quarterly basis, you should set aside some time to inspect the system. This should not take more than 15-20 mins of your time and there are a few simple steps that should be followed. 

1. Remove your sump pump cover and inspect the liner. Ensure that there is no debris or sediment that has accumulated in the liner. If there is, remove it. 
2. Check your sump pump float to ensure it is working properly. This can be easily done by slightly lifting the float and watching to see that the pump turns on.
3. Inspect the exterior ejection pipe. There shouldn't be any debris or foliage blocking the line. This ensures proper pump out can be achieved.
4. Inspect your battery backup by ensuring all connections are securely in place and any notification lights are turned on.
5. Ensure the sump pump cover is reattached securely once you've completed the inspection process.